Minnesotans Dominate List of Entrepreneur of the Year Finalists

All but two of the 31 business leaders chosen by EY were from the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Finalists were announced Thursday for the 31st annual Entrepreneur of the Year awards event hosted by professional services firm EY.

A total of 31 men and women in business were selected for the Upper Midwest region competition, which includes Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and the Dakotas. Like years past, Minnesotans dominated the list with all but two of the finalists represented by a company in the state:

The only non-Minnesota finalists were Grant Kvalheim and Jim Belardi who collectively work at West Des Moines, Iowa-based insurance company Athene Holding Ltd.

“EY has honored outstanding entrepreneurs for over 30 years,” said Dominic Iannazzo, EY Entrepreneur of the Year program director for the Upper Midwest region. “These business leaders are accomplished entrepreneurs who have contributed a tremendous amount to the community.”

Winners of the 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year awards will be announced on June 8 at a gala in Minneapolis.

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